Not sure that is fair. I feel it is pretty obvious that Francis had a build through the draft, unsexy but tried and true slow-build plan, and Ownership pushed for a more competitive team a year plus into the teams existence, throwing a wrench into the build. Trading Gourde and having Beniers as the only natural center on the roster is not something ownership would likely sign off on as they want a playoff push more than a stronger future team.I think the time to move Gourde was the trading deadline giving teams two playoff runs with him.
That probably had a chance to get you a first round pick which now is most likely gone and poor asset management of Francis.
I feel like he would actually be a pretty good pick up for Buffalo, especially now that Skinner is off the teamTanev I don't thik has any "sweet time" to be traded.
We'll be lucky to get anything positive for him no matter if we would've traded him at the draft or some time between now and August.
Agreed. His Drafting and RFA contract negotiating have been outstanding. His UFA contract decisions as a whole have mostly been a borderline trainwreck.I really hope Francis can make a trade or two and doesn't hand out another 5x5 ish contract or two.
Those are his worst contracts so far and that's not surprising given what I just wrote about.
Anxious to see what Francis does tomorrow, and this week. I hate that I love sports so much when it causes me so much anxiety ...
lol I keep thinking the same thing RE Wennberg!Pretty sure he'll acquire a center....I mean, he's gotta pick up a legitimate center from somewhere this week, doesn't he?
Goaltrending and the D are solid.
Winger depth, while no where elite, is pretty deep.
The Bottom six is not an area of strength, but they have pieces that should make it passable.
Their center lineup is arguably the worst in the league. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit nervous myself, I fear I may log in and see the Kraken news of "the return of Alex Wennberg on a 3 year deal!" tomorrow.
lol I keep thinking the same thing RE Wennberg!
Oh believe me, I don’t want it either! It just feels like a very Francis thing for him to do…
Fleury is a depth D …Evan’s that’s a good questionA lot of years. A lot of $$. I want to know what the plan with Evans and Fleury is. Or maybe we are packaging out a D-man for an upgrade at F?
I'd love to see...Fleury is a depth D …Evan’s that’s a good question
Honestly… That’s less money than I thought he was going to get
I would be surprised if its Dumo who goes. I think its going to be Borgen most likely. Maybe Oleksiak.I'd love to see...
Larsson - Dunn
Evans - Montour
Oleksiak - Borgen
Dumoulin
Mind, $7.7m is waaaaaaaaaay too much to be spending on a #5/#7 D combo, so I hope Francis has something cooking to at least shed Dumoulin's hit?